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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Uther tells Merlin he has no power except ________.

2. With whom does Uther want to love?

3. Who flees with Uther when his men arrive in Killare?

4. What does Merlin see as his vision ends?

5. Who rides out to Giants Dance to see Merlin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Uther mad at Merlin at the end of this story?

2. What does Blackbeard do to Dinias after he tells Merlin to come with him to see the King?

3. What does Lady Niniane say about the parentage of Merlin?

4. How is Uther described at this point in the story?

5. What happened to Vortigern and the Queen?

6. What happens to Dinias?

7. What do people do for Merlin, as he is now considered to be a hero and great man?

8. Who does Merlin disguise himself as?

9. How would Merlin's mood be described as Uther is with Ygraine?

10. Why does Merlin go to see the Lady Ygraine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The character of Keri seems minor at first, but her complexity seems to tell the reader there is more she has to offer.

Part 1 - Compare the Keri who was a nun, to the Keri that emerged after she left the nunnery.

Part 2 - What do you think Keri symbolizes in this novel?

Part 3 - Why is Keri's mouth compared to a cave in Merlin's descriptions? What does this seem to say about her role in his life?

Essay Topic 2

The Crystal Cave is not only the title, but also a major setting in this story. To Merlin, it is a sort of birthplace for his powers and also a place where he restores himself.

Part 1 - Describe the appearance of the Crystal Cave and how Merlin came to find it in the first place.

Part 2 - Give at least 3 examples of lessons Merlin learned while in the Crystal Cave.

Part 3 - What do you think the Crystal Cave represents in the story? What is the larger metaphor for the cave's presence?

Essay Topic 3

The idea of the ringdove seems to help Merlin throughout his life. Thankfully, he is taught this lesson in how to avoid trouble early on.

Part 1 - Who is the character that teaches Merlin about being like a ringdove? What is the lesson? Why does he teach this to him?

Part 2 - How does Merlin apply this lesson in his life? Give at least two specific examples.

Part 3 - Are there any times when Merlin should not have followed the lesson of the ringdove?

(see the answer keys)

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